Top 12 Maritime Protection and Indemnity (P&I) Clubs

In the high-stakes world of maritime shipping, where unpredictable seas and complex global regulations collide, having the right insurance coverage is essential for shipowners and operators. Protection and Indemnity (P&I) insurance stands as a cornerstone of risk management, safeguarding against third-party liabilities such as crew injuries, pollution, and cargo damage. As the backbone of the maritime insurance industry, P&I Clubs offer critical support to ensure smooth operations and regulatory compliance. In this guide, we explore the top 12 P&I maritime insurance providers, each offering unique solutions to protect the vessels, cargo, and crew that power global trade.

1. Gard P&I Club

• Founded: 1907
• Headquarters: Arendal, Norway
• Key Strengths: Gard is the world’s largest P&I Club by premium income and membership size. It provides comprehensive insurance solutions covering Protection & Indemnity (P&I), Hull & Machinery (H&M), Freight Demurrage & Defense (FD&D), and loss of hire for shipowners, charterers, and offshore energy clients. Gard is renowned for its vast global claims-handling capabilities, a strong legal framework for dispute resolution, and innovative risk management services, helping members navigate complex regulatory environments like IMO 2020 and environmental laws.
• Global Reach: Gard operates through a network of offices across 13 countries, including key maritime hubs in Europe, Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East, allowing it to offer localized support and claim assistance worldwide. It has correspondents in over 500 ports globally, ensuring quick response to incidents wherever they occur.
• Notable Features: Gard excels in providing support for environmental and pollution-related incidents. It also offers expert legal support on a wide range of issues, from contract disputes to claims handling, ensuring that shipowners are protected from a legal standpoint.
• Official Website: https://www.gard.no

2. UK P&I Club

• Founded: 1869
• Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
• Key Strengths: The UK P&I Club is one of the oldest and most respected P&I providers globally. It covers over 17% of the world’s ocean-going fleet, offering extensive protection from third-party liabilities including crew claims, collision liabilities, pollution risks, wreck removal, and cargo damage. The UK P&I Club has a strong track record in delivering loss prevention services, with a team of dedicated professionals focused on minimizing risks for shipowners.
• Global Reach: With offices in the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, Greece, and the United States, the UK P&I Club has an extensive global footprint. It also operates through an international network of correspondents, ensuring rapid response to claims and incidents globally.
• Notable Features: The UK P&I Club places strong emphasis on innovative loss prevention strategies. Its renowned StopLoss Bulletin provides regular updates and insights into risk management practices, helping shipowners mitigate risks before they escalate into costly claims.
• Official Website: https://www.ukpandi.com

3. The American Club

• Founded: 1917
• Headquarters: New York City, USA
• Key Strengths: The American Club is the only mutual P&I insurer based in the United States. It caters primarily to small to mid-size shipowners but also serves larger fleets. The American Club offers a comprehensive range of P&I coverages, including third-party liabilities related to crew injury, pollution, cargo damage, and wreck removal. The club is known for its personalized service, tailoring solutions to meet the unique needs of smaller operators. It also offers Freight, Demurrage, and Defense (FD&D) coverage, providing legal cost protection in disputes.
• Global Reach: The American Club has offices in New York, London, Piraeus (Greece), Shanghai, and Hong Kong, supported by a broad network of correspondents worldwide. This gives it the capability to offer global support while maintaining a close relationship with its members.
• Notable Features: One of the standout features of The American Club is its focus on digital tools for risk management. It offers an innovative American Hellenic Hull Insurance product and a comprehensive e-learning platform to train crews on safety and risk reduction.
• Official Website: https://www.american-club.com

4. Japan P&I Club

• Founded: 1950
• Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
• Key Strengths: Japan P&I Club is the largest Protection & Indemnity provider in Asia, offering comprehensive third-party liability coverage to both Japanese and international shipowners. It provides insurance for crew injury, pollution, cargo damage, wreck removal, and collision claims. Japan P&I Club has a unique advantage in understanding the specific needs and regulatory environments of the Asian shipping market, while also maintaining a strong presence in Europe and beyond.
• Global Reach: In addition to its Tokyo headquarters, Japan P&I Club operates offices in Singapore, Hong Kong, London, and Seoul, and works with a wide network of correspondents globally. This gives its members access to comprehensive claims-handling services and legal assistance wherever needed.
• Notable Features: Japan P&I Club is known for its excellent claims handling and prevention initiatives, helping members proactively manage their risks. It also provides extensive training and education programs for shipowners, including seminars on compliance with IMO regulations.
• Official Website: https://www.piclub.or.jp

5. Skuld P&I Club

• Founded: 1897
• Headquarters: Oslo, Norway
• Key Strengths: Skuld is a leading global marine insurance provider with a diverse membership base, including shipowners, offshore energy operators, and charterers. It offers comprehensive P&I coverage as well as hull insurance, freight demurrage & defense (FD&D), and loss of hire insurance. Skuld is known for its member-focused approach, tailoring insurance solutions to meet specific needs. Its commitment to fast and efficient claims handling has earned it a strong reputation in the industry.
• Global Reach: Skuld has offices in major maritime hubs including London, Copenhagen, Piraeus, Singapore, Hong Kong, and New York. It also works with a large network of correspondents to provide worldwide service to its members.
• Notable Features: Skuld emphasizes claims efficiency and member service, boasting a high rate of claims satisfaction. It also provides its members with a strong legal framework for managing risks, particularly in areas like environmental compliance and dispute resolution.
• Official Website: https://www.skuld.com

6. North P&I Club

• Founded: 1860
• Headquarters: Newcastle, United Kingdom
• Key Strengths: North P&I Club is a major player in the P&I insurance market, insuring over 240 million gross tons of shipping globally. The club provides comprehensive P&I insurance, including third-party liabilities like crew injury, pollution, and cargo damage. It also offers additional coverage for hull and machinery (H&M) and FD&D insurance. North P&I Club is well-regarded for its proactive loss prevention programs and its focus on member service.
• Global Reach: With offices in the UK, Greece, Singapore, Japan, and the US, and correspondents worldwide, North P&I provides extensive global coverage. Its strategic location in key shipping hubs ensures rapid response and local expertise.
• Notable Features: North P&I places a strong emphasis on risk management, offering a variety of tools to its members, including Maritime Threats for security intelligence and MyNorth, a platform for insurance and claims management. The club’s loss prevention efforts help shipowners avoid claims, reducing costs in the long run.
• Official Website: https://www.nepia.com

7. Steamship Mutual P&I Club

• Founded: 1909
• Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
• Key Strengths: Steamship Mutual is one of the most respected P&I Clubs, offering comprehensive third-party liability coverage to a wide range of shipowners globally. The club provides insurance for tankers, bulk carriers, container ships, and more. Steamship Mutual is well-known for its proactive loss prevention initiatives and efficient claims handling, helping members manage their risks effectively.
• Global Reach: Steamship Mutual operates out of offices in London, Hong Kong, Piraeus, and Singapore, offering comprehensive support in key maritime regions. It also partners with a global network of correspondents to provide localized assistance.
• Notable Features: Steamship Mutual’s Loss Prevention department is particularly strong, offering members detailed reports, safety campaigns, and legal resources to help mitigate risks. The club also provides cutting-edge digital solutions for claims and risk management.
• Official Website: https://www.steamshipmutual.com

8. Standard Club

• Founded: 1884
• Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
• Key Strengths: The Standard Club offers tailored P&I insurance solutions to shipowners and operators globally. It provides comprehensive third-party liability coverage, including risks associated with pollution, cargo damage, crew claims, and wreck removal. Standard Club also covers charterers’ liabilities and offers Defense (FD&D) insurance to assist with legal costs. The club is known for its proactive claims handling and efficient legal defense.
• Global Reach: The Standard Club has offices in major shipping hubs across Europe, Asia, and North America, including London, Hong Kong, Singapore, and New York. It is supported by a global network of correspondents, ensuring members receive local assistance in case of incidents.
• Notable Features: The Standard Club’s Signal Loss Prevention platform is designed to help members reduce incidents and improve safety onboard. The club’s strong legal framework and active claims management help members navigate complex regulatory environments with ease.
• Official Website: https://www.standard-club.com

9. West of England P&I Club

• Founded: 1860
• Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
• Key Strengths: The West of England P&I Club is renowned for its deep expertise in providing P&I insurance for global shipowners. The club offers comprehensive third-party liability coverage, including crew injury, pollution, cargo damage, collision, and wreck removal. It also provides FD&D (Freight, Demurrage, and Defense) cover, which helps members with legal disputes. The club has a reputation for strong claims handling, prioritizing fast response times and efficient case management.
• Global Reach: With offices in London, Hong Kong, Singapore, Greece, and North America, the West of England P&I Club provides global support. A vast network of correspondents ensures rapid assistance wherever incidents occur.
• Notable Features: West of England places a strong emphasis on customer service and claims efficiency, offering extensive legal and technical support to its members. The club is also known for its user-friendly digital tools, allowing members to track claims and access loss prevention resources.
• Official Website: https://www.westpandi.com

10. Britannia P&I Club

• Founded: 1855
• Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
• Key Strengths: Britannia P&I Club is one of the oldest and most well-established clubs in the International Group. It provides full P&I coverage, including pollution, crew injury, cargo damage, and wreck removal. Britannia is also known for its extensive Freight, Demurrage & Defense (FD&D) cover, helping shipowners manage the costs of legal disputes and claims. The club has a strong focus on loss prevention, providing training and risk assessment resources to its members.
• Global Reach: Britannia operates offices in London, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Tokyo, with a network of global correspondents offering 24/7 assistance worldwide.
• Notable Features: Britannia P&I Club offers specialized claims handling, with dedicated teams focused on swift resolutions. Its Britannia Loss Prevention Program provides members with resources and tools to improve safety and avoid costly claims.
• Official Website: https://www.britanniapandi.com

11. Swedish Club

• Founded: 1872
• Headquarters: Gothenburg, Sweden
• Key Strengths: The Swedish Club is a leading mutual marine insurer, providing P&I insurance along with Hull & Machinery, War Risks, and Freight Demurrage & Defense (FD&D) cover. The club is known for its high level of service and commitment to helping members prevent losses through detailed risk management programs. It serves shipowners worldwide, offering third-party liability coverage including pollution, cargo, crew injury, and wreck removal claims.
• Global Reach: The Swedish Club operates out of key offices in Gothenburg, Hong Kong, and Piraeus, with an extensive network of correspondents ensuring rapid assistance globally.
• Notable Features: The Swedish Club emphasizes loss prevention through its SCOL Academy, an educational program designed to train shipowners in best practices for safety and risk mitigation. It also offers a comprehensive claims tracking system, enabling members to monitor claims in real-time.
• Official Website: https://www.swedishclub.com

12. London P&I Club

• Founded: 1866
• Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
• Key Strengths: The London P&I Club is one of the leading mutual insurers in the International Group of P&I Clubs. It offers full P&I coverage, including liabilities related to crew injury, pollution, cargo damage, and wreck removal. The London Club is particularly strong in providing legal support and defense coverage (FD&D) for disputes and claims related to charter parties and cargo liabilities.
• Global Reach: The London P&I Club has offices in London, Hong Kong, and Greece, with a wide network of correspondents providing global claims support.
• Notable Features: The London Club is highly regarded for its Charterers’ Liability Insurance, providing extended cover for risks faced by charterers. It also excels in legal and claims management, with a focus on minimizing legal disputes for its members.
• Official Website: https://www.londonpandi.com

Table Summary

ShipUniverse: Top 12 Maritime Protection and Indemnity Insurance Providers
Provider	Founded	Headquarters	Key Strengths	Website
Gard P&I Club	1907	Arendal, Norway	Largest P&I club by membership, comprehensive P&I and H&M insurance, global claims-handling capabilities.	https://www.gard.no
UK P&I Club	1869	London, United Kingdom	17% of the world’s ocean-going fleet, strong loss prevention strategies, extensive legal support.	https://www.ukpandi.com
The American Club	1917	New York City, USA	Only mutual P&I insurer based in the USA, focus on small to mid-size operators, strong digital risk management tools.	https://www.american-club.com
Japan P&I Club	1950	Tokyo, Japan	Largest P&I provider in Asia, strong claims handling and prevention initiatives, extensive regional expertise.	https://www.piclub.or.jp
Skuld P&I Club	1897	Oslo, Norway	Diverse membership base including offshore energy, strong claims efficiency and tailored insurance solutions.	https://www.skuld.com
North P&I Club	1860	Newcastle, United Kingdom	Over 240 million gross tons insured, strong risk management, global support and extensive loss prevention tools.	https://www.nepia.com
Steamship Mutual P&I Club	1909	London, United Kingdom	Comprehensive liability coverage, strong focus on loss prevention, global claims-handling services.	https://www.steamshipmutual.com
Standard Club	1884	London, United Kingdom	Tailored P&I solutions, proactive claims management, robust loss prevention platform.	https://www.standard-club.com
West of England P&I Club	1860	London, United Kingdom	Extensive global support, strong customer service and claims efficiency, proactive loss prevention strategies.	https://www.westpandi.com
Britannia P&I Club	1855	London, United Kingdom	Full P&I coverage with strong FD&D support, focus on loss prevention and training resources.	https://www.britanniapandi.com
Swedish Club	1872	Gothenburg, Sweden	P&I and Hull & Machinery cover, strong focus on loss prevention, real-time claims tracking system.	https://www.swedishclub.com
London P&I Club	1866	London, United Kingdom	Comprehensive P&I and FD&D coverage, strong charterers’ liability insurance and legal defense.	https://www.londonpandi.com